Impact of cardiac education on the quality of life in patients with heart failure

Introduction. Despite the dynamic development in the field of diagnostic measures and treatment in heart failure, a major role is attributed to the implementation of comprehensive health programs, which are an integral component of education. Properly carried out education allows to prepare patients for effective self-care and self-control and influences positively the quality of life.

Aim. Assessment of the impact of the training method on the quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure.

Material and Methods. The survey was conducted among 100 patients (76 men, 24 women), mean age 66.2 (SD ± 11.29). The study included 50 patients educated by the cardiac nurses in a primary care. The second group of patients participated in additional education. The data was collected by using the analysis of medical records and using standardized research tools: Beck Depression Scale allowing for the assessment of depressive symptoms and SF - 36 to assess quality of life.

Results. Additionally educated patients achieved statistically significant (p = 0.000) higher scores in all domains of the SF-36 (RP, BP, GH, VT, SF, RE, MH) except summed PF and the quality of life in the component: mental (MCS) and physical (PCS).

Conclusion. Patients with chronic heart failure, who undergo additional education obtain higher scores of quality of life results.